We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emily Ulm a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes, I earn a full-time living from my creative work designing and producing handmade tiles, but it definitely wasn’t like that from day one. It’s been a long, steady climb, not an overnight leap. The early years were lean as I refined my designs, experimented with materials and glazes, and figured out how to turn a creative passion into a viable business.

Some of my first sales came through galleries, and those early opportunities were incredibly valuable. They helped me gain confidence and see how people connected with my work. I also spent a lot of time learning the ropes: building relationships, navigating wholesale orders, and slowly developing an online presence.

As my confidence and production capacity grew, I gradually shifted my focus to direct sales and custom orders. I began to scale back on wholesale, especially to tile showrooms, after realizing that some of those arrangements weren’t a great fit for the way I like to work. That shift allowed me to have more meaningful interactions with clients and more control over my production schedule.

I’ve been fortunate to work with some wonderful gallery partners who remain part of my business today. But one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is how crucial it is to protect my time and create space for the kind of work I actually want to do.

Looking back, I don’t think I would have wanted to speed the process up. There was value in growing into the work slowly and building something sustainable. That said, I do wish I had trusted my instincts earlier, especially when it came to setting boundaries and saying no to things that didn’t quite fit.

Emily, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a tile artist based in Kent, Ohio, and I’ve been working full-time in this field for 20 years. I design and produce handmade tiles, many of which are inspired by the natural world: plants, birds, insects, and other animals. I work solo out of my home studio, and each tile is handmade in small batches using molds I’ve created from my original designs. Every part of the process is intentional, and I take great care in how each piece is formed, finished, and fired.

My interest in tile began early. My dad sometimes worked as a tile setter, and I helped him on jobs when I was young. I was fascinated by how tile could transform a space. Later, while studying at the University of Akron, I initially planned to major in biology but eventually followed a pull toward the art department. That’s where I connected with Donna Webb, a tile artist and professor known for large-scale public installations. Working with her gave me an early look at what a professional life in the arts could look like, and she introduced me to Angelica Pozo, another prominent tile artist I later had the chance to work with on a public art project for the City of Akron. My friend Amanda Louise Spayd, who launched her own creative business while still in college, also helped make the idea of starting a business feel achievable.

Today, most of my work is sold directly to clients through online orders or a small group of long-term gallery partners. I primarily make tiles for home installations—backsplashes, fireplaces, shower surrounds—as well as the occasional public commission. One of the projects I’m most proud of is the Chimney Swift Tower in downtown Kent: a permanent piece that serves as both a visual storytelling project and a functioning bird habitat.

What sets my work apart is its personal nature. Many of my clients are looking for something meaningful; something that tells a story or connects to a place or moment in their lives. I think people appreciate that my work is grounded in craft, sustainability, and authenticity. I’m not interested in mass production or scaling up. I’d rather keep things thoughtful and make work that resonates with the people who bring it into their homes.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I’m passionate about preserving the tradition of handmade ceramics while making it relevant to modern design and living. I want my work to be a reminder that quality craftsmanship still has a place in today’s world. That’s a big part of why I keep my process small-scale: so I can maintain that connection to the work and ensure it stays true to my vision.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is hearing that my tiles have become a meaningful part of someone’s life. Whether they’re installed in a kitchen where a family gathers, or in a space that holds personal significance, I love knowing that my work is contributing to the stories people are building in their homes and daily lives.

I want my tiles to feel like more than just decoration; they should offer a sense of connection, place, and beauty. My goal is to keep creating work that has lasting meaning, that holds up over time, and that contributes to a more thoughtful, beautiful world. Knowing that something I made by hand can become a small but lasting part of someone’s life- that’s what keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://EmuTile.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emu_art_tile/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmuArtTile
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/emutile
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/emuarttile/

Image Credits

Emily Ulm